Earthquake and Crisis Preparedness for Your Mental Health in Utah
Utah sits on multiple active fault lines, and the 2020 Magna earthquake was a reminder that a major crisis can strike with no warning. Whether it’s an earthquake, a wildfire, a winter storm, or another emergency, being prepared emotionally is just as important as being prepared physically. Join us as we #getthroughthistogether by building both a supply kit and a mental health plan.
Why Emotional Preparedness Matters
Crises like earthquakes activate the same fight, flight, or freeze response as other traumas. Sudden, unpredictable events can trigger anxiety, hypervigilance, and disrupted sleep, even well after the immediate danger has passed. Having a plan in place before a crisis happens can reduce panic in the moment and support faster emotional recovery afterward.
Building Your Crisis Preparedness Plan
Physical Kit Essentials
Water and non-perishable food for at least 72 hours
A flashlight, batteries, and a portable phone charger
Copies of important documents and emergency contacts
Any medications your family relies on
Mental Health Essentials
A list of coping tools that work for you, such as grounding techniques or breathing exercises
Contact information for your therapist or crisis line
A plan for checking in with family, friends, or a support group after an event
Permission to feel scared, overwhelmed, or unsettled without judging yourself for it
Supporting Kids and Teens Through a Crisis
Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them. Staying calm, keeping routines as consistent as possible, and answering questions honestly but age-appropriately can help kids feel safer during and after a crisis.
When to Reach Out for Support
If you notice ongoing hypervigilance, trouble sleeping, intrusive thoughts, or anxiety that doesn’t ease in the weeks after a crisis, it may be time to talk to a therapist. At Purple Sky Counseling, our trauma-informed therapists help Utah residents process crisis-related stress and build lasting coping skills through approaches like EMDR and CBT.
You don’t have to navigate a crisis alone. Contact us today to connect with a therapist, whether you’re preparing for the next emergency or processing one that already happened.